“Footing #2 - Commitment (to Roles)”

Can you imagine a chef performing your open-heart surgery, or a schoolteacher replacing your transmission on your car, or a dentist attempting to build your dream home? Think about it – it seems pretty foolish! Why? It’s because each person would be “playing out of position!” Think about it from a sports perspective: Have you ever seen a football quarterback play offensive line too, or a soccer goalie try to be a downhill skier, or a baseball pitcher also playing shortstop? There’s a reason that most pitchers in the National League are terrible hitters. Why? Again, it’s not their primary position. There is something to be said about “knowing and living out” your role. The fact is that God in his perfect knowledge has designed specific roles for husbands, wives, and kids within the family dynamic. The big question is are you willing to embrace your roles? Make no mistake either, these roles are not based on “conditions.” No – God gives you roles that are meant to be embraced no matter what the other members of your family are doing! For men, you are called to lead and love; for women, you are called to support and submit; for children, you are called to respectfully and responsively obey. When each person is “living out” his or her roles, it makes the culture of the family one of grace and truth. From the beginning of time, God knew that men needed the support of women and that women needed someone to lead them. Kids need direction. All of this to say that God has created the “perfect team” with each member given specific responsibilities and roles to make it successful. Are you living out your God-given roles? Are you willing to see your roles as expectations from God that only you can fulfill in his strength? The temptation is always there to dismiss your roles, or to reject them based on what the others are doing or not doing. Don’t give in to that struggle! Thankfully, God gives to us truth from his Word that will both protect and empower our commitment to live out our roles. It may be time to “look in the mirror of your heart” and focus solely on your obedience instead of worrying about your spouse’s obedience. It starts with you! Know and “live out” your roles!